Geelong Showgrounds Campground
Geelong Showgrounds Campground offers an affordable and convenient camping option located in the heart of Geelong, Victoria, specifically at 79 Breakwater Road, East Geelong. Managed by the Royal Geelong Agricultural and Pastoral Society, the campground provides a unique blend of a spacious, secure environment with easy access to urban amenities. It caters to caravaners, RV enthusiasts, and tent campers and is a dog-friendly location, provided dogs are kept on a leash at all times. The campground emphasises that bookings are essential and must be made and paid for in advance, with a maximum stay of two weeks.
Visitors are required to book and pay in advance, and the current pricing can be obtained through their online booking system on the Geelong Showgrounds website or by contacting the office directly during business hours (Monday-Friday 8 am - 4 pm).6
Facilities:
Geelong Showgrounds Campground provides a range of essential facilities for campers:
- Powered Sites: All camping sites are equipped with power hookups.
- Water: All sites also have access to water.
- Toilets: Toilet facilities are available.
- Showers: Shower facilities are provided. (Some reviews have noted cleanliness issues with the amenities blocks).
- Dump Point: A dump point is available on-site.
- Garbage Disposal: Facilities for household rubbish are provided.
- Picnic Tables: Picnic tables are available in the campground area.
- Dog Friendly: Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash at all times.
- Other: The campground is accessible to motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs. There is a speed limit of 15 km/h within the showgrounds. Campfires and generators are not permitted. There is no on-site laundry or camp kitchen mentioned in some recent information, although older mentions might exist or communal areas might be available within the wider showgrounds (confirm directly if needed).
Distance to Tourist Spots Nearby:
The Geelong Showgrounds Campground's central location in Geelong provides excellent access to the city's attractions and serves as a convenient base for exploring the wider Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula region, as well as being the gateway to the Great Ocean Road.
- Very Close (within a few km, often walkable or a very short drive):
- Geelong CBD: A short drive from the showgrounds, offering a wide range of shops, restaurants, cafes, and cultural attractions.
- Geelong Waterfront (Corio Bay): Includes popular areas like Eastern Beach Reserve (with its art deco swimming enclosure and iconic bollards), Steampacket Gardens, and Cunningham Pier with dining options and the Geelong Carousel. Easily accessible from the showgrounds.
- Geelong Botanic Gardens: Located within Eastern Park, close to the waterfront.
- National Wool Museum: Located in Geelong's city centre.
- Within a Short Drive (10-30 km):
- Bellarine Peninsula: The campground is a gateway to exploring the various towns and attractions on the Bellarine Peninsula, including coastal villages, wineries (Bellarine Taste Trail), and the Bellarine Rail Trail for cycling.
- Torquay: Located south of Geelong (approx. 20-25 km), known as the start of the Great Ocean Road and a renowned surfing destination (home to Bells Beach).
- You Yangs Regional Park: Located northwest of Geelong (approx. 20-30 km), offering distinctive granite peaks, walking and mountain biking trails, and lookouts with panoramic views.
- Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove: Popular coastal towns at the mouth of the Barwon River, offering beaches and river activities.
- Adventure Park Geelong: A large water and theme park located southeast of Geelong.
- Further Afield (requires a longer drive):
- The Great Ocean Road: Starting near Torquay, this iconic drive extends southwest and offers spectacular coastal scenery, national parks, and attractions like the Twelve Apostles (a significant drive from Geelong).
- Werribee Open Range Zoo: Located closer to Melbourne (approx. 30-40 km northeast of Geelong).
- Ballarat: A major regional city to the northwest (approx. 70-80 km), known for Sovereign Hill and other historical attractions.
Geelong Showgrounds Campground offers an affordable and well-located option for campers with essential facilities, particularly benefiting from powered sites and proximity to Geelong's city centre and the diverse attractions of the surrounding region. It is crucial to book and confirm pricing directly with the showgrounds prior to arrival.
360 view - Entrance to Geelong Showgrounds Campground
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